Antique Our Lady of Sorrows Plaster Statue Virgin Mary Louis Jobin Quebec

This is an antique plaster statue of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows, represented standing at Calvary during the Crucifixion of Jesus. Measuring nearly 18 inches in height, the figure has an elongated, sculptural form with deeply modelled drapery and appears to be modelled after, or closely related to, a Calvary Virgin by noted Quebec sculptor Louis Jobin (1845–1928).

Mary is shown wearing a long robe and mantle, her hands clasped together in prayer and her head raised toward the Cross. The restrained pose and upward-looking expression are characteristic of the traditional representation of the Virgin at Calvary.

Louis Jobin was one of Quebec's most important religious sculptors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Religious statuary formed a major part of his long career, and the Calvary was a subject to which he returned repeatedly, with approximately 80 Calvaries attributed to him.

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec holds a circa 1890 wood sculpture by Jobin titled Vierge (de calvaire). Jobin's Calvary ensembles commonly included the Virgin Mary and St. John standing beside the crucified Christ, with particular attention given to facial expression and the treatment of drapery.

This example is made of hollow cast plaster and is unmarked. It should therefore be considered a later devotional reproduction or adaptation rather than an original work by Jobin. It was probably produced for use in a church, chapel, convent or private Catholic devotional setting.

The statue has a simple white or off-white finish that gives it the appearance of carved stone. The modelling is particularly effective in the numerous folds of Mary's garments, her clasped hands and the upward-looking expression of her face.

Measurements:

Height: 17 3/4 inches

Condition: The statue is in good condition overall with age-related surface wear, soiling and scattered marks. There is one area of old repair and restoration - a repaired crack and loss along the edge of the drapery on one side. There is additional wear and minor loss to the plaster and surface (see photos). The piece would benefit from a cleaning but represents better in real life than in the photographs. The statue is hollow, as made. Please refer to the photographs for details.

An interesting example of Quebec Catholic devotional art, particularly notable for its relationship to the religious sculpture of Louis Jobin and the traditional representation of the Virgin Mary at Calvary. Wonderful form and a lovely display piece.